My Two Cents — Aug. 26, 2012
Aug 27, 2012 | 2541 views | 28 28 comments | 13 13 recommendations | email to a friend | print
— Why are we loaning Kroger money to move? It seems the bonds will be paid off with tax money we would already be getting, so Kroger basically gets the funds at no cost. What a deal. Kroger is a huge company. Why do we need to fiance them for nothing in return?

— The Animal Control shelter could be air conditioned if the county stopped spending so much money on unnecessary studies and used that money to improve conditions at the shelter.

— A lot of stupid things are said in My Two Cents but the “stupid winner” goes to the person that said that assessments on Westchester Drive in Club Estates were lowered by $70,000.

— Everyone in Spalding County should send Mr. Will Sanders a donation to help with his lawsuit. He is doing something to preserve our rights as Americans, something all levels of government are trying to take away.

— Is Kroger on welfare?

— I find it disturbing when people say they don’t want the government interfering with their lives but then these same people don’t see anything wrong with using the government to force their religious beliefs on others.

— It’s really unfair some people have things and other people do not. These rich people should give their money to poor people and help them.

— Kroger is getting a loan like a car deal — 0 percent down, 0 percent financing.

— WSB-TV Channel 2, yu need to be ashamed of yourself. Monica Pearson has retired, you replaced Monica with Jovita Moore, you replaced Jovita with Erin Coleman and now you have taken the prettiest of them all, Linda Stouffer, and placed here at the back of the pack. Thank God for the other networks.

— College football is fast approaching. My favorite team on the Flats in Atlanta have high expectations for this season. As a fan, I see them doing no better than getting to play in a bowl game on the blue field in Boise, Idaho.

— Here’s a fun experiment — let’s all agree to stop teaching our children about religion and see if the next 2,000 years are more peaceful without the overbearing, overreaching dogmas plagued by all the modern faiths.

— The police need to investigate all these negative My Two Cents comments and round these people up and put them in jail. It’s wrong to criticize the government and our county the way they have been doing.

— To the people complaining about Spalding County — ever thought of moving to Clayton County?

— I heard God was sending a hurricane to destroy the Republicans at their convention in Florida. Now if only Truett and Dan Cathy, Tim Tebow, Jeff Foxworthy and all the Georgia Bulldogs would be in attendance.

— Does anyone else think that these golf cart paths are part of Obamacare?

— This isn’t about me. I have this friend who keeps getting ripped on for only getting 23 votes (for an office I won’t mention by name) a few weeks back. And I — I mean my friend — thinks it’s mean and you guys are really hurting my feelings — I mean his feelings. And you probably wouldn’t like it if he talked about you in his newsletter. Which, by the way, is hilarious and stinging.

— It’s sad when the state of the economy gets so bad that teachers can’t even get a free cup of tea at lunch.

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Comments
(28)
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peskysenior
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September 02, 2012
I really don't think the issue is the tea, 70Plus. I think the issue that made so many teachers angry was the suggestion that teachers work all summer to buy their students the basic school supplies such as crayons, pencils, paper, etc. Most of us are taking courses or learning whatever the current new core or report card has become. The teachers I heard from were offended by the job suggestion when we already do everything we can for children in need.Parents who can provide supplies should do so.

There are people all over this county that help us provide for children in need. The children are what our profession is truly about. Actually, I imagine every principal is trying to find ways to cut expenses, and each principal has the right to expect us, as teachers, to give up some things.
Reply
70plus
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September 03, 2012
"It’s sad when the state of the economy gets so bad that teachers can’t even get a free cup of tea at lunch." This was the original statement published in My Two Cents which is why I made my comment about what STARTED all of this. I'm sure we all have friends in the field of education. Those in my circle do complain but not about classroom supplies, duty schedules, restroom breaks, lack of freebes, or even out-of-pocket expenses. I hear about overcrowded classrooms, unruly students, parental and administrative failure to help with discipline, too many meetings and/or workshops pulling them from their classrooms or taking up prep time, hours of diagnostic testing eating away at valuable instructional time, too much state and system control over what is taught, and mandatory wall displays that are mostly for show and offer minimal benefit to the students.
peskysenior
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August 31, 2012
To dbaugh: You are absolutely correct about the tea. That was never my concern. I have always either bought my lunch or brought a lunch with a thermos. You seem to understand the issues behind why we cannot leave our rooms to use the restroom and the need to have a few moments to eat. We were allotted that time once with monitors in the cafeteria. Teachers ate in a different room but were close by if needed. I was amazed at how refreshed we were for our afternoons and how much closer the faculty became. As with any business or profession, we all become better at what we do when our minimal basic needs are met. Thank you for your courteous answer.
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70plus
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August 31, 2012
Wow! All this started over a free cup 'o tea. When teachers get tea with a school lunch isn't the cost included in the price of the lunch? If so, then teachers who bring a sack lunch probably ought to pay. A principal who wants to show the staff he/she cares provides free coffee and an occasional treat in the teacher's lounge.
Reply
JulieBrandenburg
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August 31, 2012
LOL!! Yes--it sounds like none of us have had a vacation in a while to re-energize and refresh. Shooting for next year hopefully!!!
peskysenior
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August 31, 2012
I really don't think the issue is the tea, 70Plus. I think the issue that made so many teachers angry was the suggestion that teachers work all summer to buy their students the basic school supplies such as crayons, pencils, paper, etc. Most of us are taking courses or learning whatever the current new core or report card has become. The teachers I heard from were offended by the job suggestion when we already do everything we can for children in need.Parents who can provide supplies should do so.

There are people all over this county that help us provide for children in need. The children are what our profession is truly about. Actually, I imagine every principal is trying to find ways to cut expenses, and each principal has the right to expect us, as teachers, to give up some things.
peskysenior
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August 30, 2012
I have one more concern to express for Ms. Brandenburg after hearing from numerous fellow teachers tonight. Whatever gives you the idea that we should buy school supplies for students except for the neediest children? All of us have been doing that for years as well as buying bookbags,shoes, clothes for graduation and the prom, paying for field trips, making certain every child gets to buy at least something at the book fair, clothes for everyday wear,food to put in bookbags for children who are not fed at home, and boxes after boxes of wipes and tissues.We are always grateful for donations, and use them gladly. However, children may need things that we do not receive. You seem very unaware that not all schools are the same. It would have been wiser to educate yourself on this subject prior to placing yourself in a position that may cause many teachers to lose respect for you. We love our students,schools, and parents.
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JulieBrandenburg
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August 31, 2012
Peskysenior: I think there are many wonderful people in all professions. I myself was raised on a full time firefighters and part time nurse's salary. There are many noble chosen professions in which people go over and far beyond their calls of duty. Teachers, police officers, etc. you name it. Wonderful people who know why they are there. All of these professions have absolutely one thing in common--and that is to make a difference in someone elses life. Now, as with any profession, there are people there for the right reasons--which are for serving others no matter what--and for the wrong reasons--I'll leave those to your imagination. "Placing yourself in a position that may cause teachers to lose respect for you." Really? How's that so? I would think if you were self serving and self righteous--you may lose respect for me. But if you will read everyting that I have posted I would think you would see the truth.

Why would I be concerned if teachers lose respect for me? My children wouldn't be treated any differently by these teachers would they? How many teachers out there would treat my children any differently because of being honest and outspoken and not hiding who I am? What does that say about those people. You can lose respect all you want. My children won't be your problem children. We are parents that care. Care about how our children are raised and how they are going to survive when they are adults. It seems to me that you are being very contrite with a parent who does care.

Trying to make a point of the compalints that came from you about not even being able to use the restroom. My mother spent many a shift unable to take supper or go to the restroom because she was overloaded with sick patients and not enough help. The point was to not make such a big deal out of one profession--when there are many professions that are over worked and under paid but have less benefits than a teacher.

When you choose to go far beyond your call of duty-buying clothes, etc.--that's your choice (a noble one) as well. I am sure there are those families who have dearly appreciated it and not known how it would have happened if you didn't do it. And, let's be honest, there are those that could have done it themselves, but didn't. Those acts of compassions, in my opinion, don't have to be broadcast on MY TWO CENTS. When you do those things, you do them in secret, without expecting an "atta boy" in return. Majority of people who do those kind works are joyful in their hearts that they know they did for someone else.

My choice profession was attorney at law. That changed after I had my children. I have the most important responsibility and our family finances have made great sacrifices for me to be able to fulfill my responsibilities.

How many professions have a whole week of "appreciation" during a week in May?



JulieBrandenburg
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August 31, 2012
"Free Store for Teachers to ease burden of school supply purchases for teachers, needy students"

"For each of the past 5 years, over $250,000 in school supplies have been donated to teachers of the Griffin-Spalding County School System."

Both statements taken straight from the GSCS Communicator. If you visit it you can see a ginormous list of supplies.

Now that is something to be thankful for!!!

Makes me wonder why I had a list to buy from in the first place.



JulieBrandenburg
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August 30, 2012
Let's look at the law enforcement profession or even the fire fighting profession. Does their pay justify themselves putting their lives on the line each shift? No, it absolutely does not. Do they do the profession because they chose it? Yes they do. Sometimes it seems as though others live in a bubble and they have absolutely no idea how the other sides live.
Reply
peskysenior
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August 30, 2012
Ms. Brandenburg,

You always seem so angry. It cannot be healthy for you.

Regarding teachers, I budget for school needs and always have. The point is not the free cup of tea,tablecloths, or valuing a job. The point is that most teachers work from 7:15 until 5:00 in the building and then several hours at home.Restroom breaks and 15 minutes to eat a sandwich are well within our nation's employment laws. Jobs during the summer are not realistic. Most of us are taking courses to expand and improve the way we teach. As I wrote before, some schools try hard to meet the needs of all individuals in the school, and some do not. Try walking for you anger issues. It seems to help others.
JulieBrandenburg
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August 31, 2012
peskysenior: you are being peskier than usual. Anything you would like to share with the group?
70plus
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August 29, 2012
I'm not sure if the modern day Robin Hood is serious about taking from the rich and giving to the poor, but aren't we doing that already when such a large chunk of our taxes goes to entitlement programs? I'm not financially rich by a long shot but kept myself from being poor by getting an education, working hard, and using common sense in my life choices. What's unfair is people who have screwed up their lives expecting others to take care of them, and as long as we continue enabling them with the hand-outs nothing will change.

Reply
JulieBrandenburg
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August 28, 2012
For any of you who voted or plan to vote for the current Administration, I implore you to do an internet search on the following:

"James O’Keefe not allowed to fly to Tampa"

You won't see this in main stream media.

Reply
inothernews
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August 29, 2012
It's not like the Republication Convention banned him... he's on probation and travel restrictions
JulieBrandenburg
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August 29, 2012
For what has his travel been restricted? You failed to mention it was because he video taped fraud in a federal building and then reported it. Read the whole article before commenting.
kscr
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August 28, 2012
Who do these commissioners think they are...building a new Kroger and we didn't get to vote for it.

I can't wait for us to get annexed into Clayton county then we'll all be happy!
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griptown4life
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August 28, 2012
I think the allowed content on my two cents is biased. Who approves these messages? It seems like there is so much HATRED in Griffin. Where are all of the real Christians? These can't be real.
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griptown4life
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August 28, 2012
I just love CHRISTIANS that have all this HATRED inside them for blacks, hispanics, and gays. Why go to church? You might as well praise a rock.
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69jaybird
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August 28, 2012
To the person that asked if Kroger was on welfare the answer is no but they do take food stamps.
Reply
GriffinGreatAndGrowing...
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August 27, 2012
To the "charming" person who believed God was planning on wiping out Republicans, devout Christians in the media, and the Georgia football team, it appears you will not get your wish. It instead appears that New Orleans will get be getting another bath after seven years of filth filled the streets. Interesting change...
Reply
griffinite89
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August 29, 2012
Yeah....speaking of charming....You are just that.

Maybe next time you should refrain from being so blatantly hypocritical and just plain disgusting.

INTERESTING right?
griffinite89
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August 29, 2012
The best part of this comment was how ignorant you sound complaining about how ignorant someone else sounds.

dbaugh
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August 27, 2012
I worked for almost 45 years and the only thing free was water at a water fountain. What makes you so special that you think you should get a free cup of tea? Somebody does pay for that tea do they not?
Reply
peskysenior
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August 30, 2012
This comment is for dbaugh: Elementary and many of the other teachers in middle school and high school do not receive a lunch period. They supervise, help children with lunch issues, and try to grab a bite or two. It is against GA law for elementary teachers to have an unsupervised lunch. Only a few schools in Griffin-Spalding follow that law. So, do you want to reevaluate your comment about the issue of tea?Remember,it is rare for elementary teachers to even receive an opportunity to use the restroom. I stopped taking a medication because it required me to use the restroom at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon. So have many other teachers.GS administration needs to demonstrate that they respect all of the people involved in the education of our precious children.I bet this paper will not publish this comment.It's a shame, because I think parents and other citizens would help if they knew about situations like lunch and restroom issues.
JulieBrandenburg
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August 30, 2012
The teachers at my child's elementary school sit down at a table together and eat complete with table cloth. They have lunch room monitors. Perhaps they take turns. I'm not sure. But they do sit down to eat. You know where you teach and you know what you are going to have to deal with. I hate it, absolutely hate it when teachers whine. You chose the profession. If it doesn't work for you then get out. If you have been a teacher for many years and you are hanging on until retirement then grin and bear it--JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. So many others find their profession doesn't work for them so they either deal with it or find a new one. You work for the government--you have job security unlike anyone else and you get time off. Yes we know it has changed over the years with having to meet standards--but there again--its the government that you work for that comes up with these rules and standards. One lady complained about not getting enough of the free stuff for her pre-k class because eveything goes to the upper level rooms. You know, when everyone else works a job and they need supplies--they have to buy them themselves. Maybe teachers could work when they are off during the summer to pay for the supplies they know they will need. I pay for my children's supplies. Some people don't. But if it weren't for people's children--you wouldn't have a job now would you? Imagine if the parents didn't have to supply the rooms every year because the teachers stocked their offices with everything they know they will need. No other profession has companies that are so generous in giving free supplies the teaching profession. Love your profession or find another. Maybe it won't be a profession--maybe it will just be a job until you find what works for you.
dbaugh
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August 30, 2012
This is about the reply from pesky senior. First off I have nothing but the highest of respect for teachers who teach our children. My only problem is, and it's not only with teachers but with anyone else who does a poor job but keep their job because it is almost impossible to get rid of them.

My comment was about the issue of "FREE" tea. I have searched and cannot find a law where teachers are not allowed a lunch. I did find this though: "Georgia Law Code section 20-2-218 gives kindergarten through fifth grade teachers a 30 minute duty-free lunch."

Anyone who does not allow their employees a lunch time is behind times. Anyone who would not allow an employee bathroom time is just stupid and it’s probably illegal to. If you have a health issue and have to go to the bathroom more often a note from your doctor is all that should be required.

Now I know that today with children not being taught how to act at home they probably can't be left for two minutes without an adult present. Your supervisor is not doing their job if they do not allow lunch or bathroom breaks and should be reported. Teachers should have a way to report higher ups when they fail to follow rules and laws and remain anonymous.

Sorry, but my opinion does not change about the free tea. It has been my experience that free stuff tends to get out of hand. Today it’s free at work. Next week folks will be taking free tea home for home use. It happens. Do like I did when I was working, get a thermos bottle to carry with you each day.

dbaugh
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August 30, 2012
Please read section 20-2-218 of Georgia Law at this Georgia website about Duty-Free Lunch for school teachers:

http://www1.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06/fulltext/hb1082.htm